The firm of C. Mahillon was founded in Brussels
in 1836 by Charles Borroméee Mahillon (1813 - 1887), who after serving
apprenticeship in England returned to Brussels to become a partner with his brother-in-law,
C.G. Bachman as Bachman & Mahillon. In 1844 they opened a branch in London and by 1847 were
exhibiting both brass and woodwind instruments. By 1856 C. Mahillon became the most important
wind instrument manufacturer in Belgium and was suppplier to the army, and also maker
of percussion instruments. Around 1865 eldest son, Victor Charles Mahillon (1841 - 1924) was
taken into the firm as a partner. The firm continued in operation by the family for a
century until 1935. Two years later the firm was taken over by Jean Adrien Smits doing
business under the name "Mahillon & Co. succ. J. Smits."

The horn is interesting in that it employs rotary valves instead of Périnet pistons
which are more commonly found on Belgian and French instruments, including those of
C. Mahillon. This is one of two models made by Mahillon for
export to countries where larger bore rotary valve horns were preferred. Model 28, also with
rotary valves but different wrap, is pictured in an 1897 catalog. At 225 francs this
model 29 was at the time the most expensive horn in the Mahillon line.

The medalion that is affixed to the bell below the label contains the Greater Seal of
Belgium. It is described
as follows:

The shield is emblazoned: Sable, a lion rampant or, armed and langued gules. It is
surmounted by a helmet with raised visor, with mantling or and sable and the royal
crown in lieu of a crest. Behind the shield are placed a hand of justice and a sceptre
with a lion. The grand collar of the Order of Leopold surrounds the shield. Two lions
guardant proper support the shield as well as a lance with the national colours black,
yellow and red. Underneath the compartment is placed the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE
in French or EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT in Dutch. The ribband of the motto is red, with
black stripes on either side. The lettering is golden. Since the Royal Decree of 1837
never received an official translation, the use of the Dutch version of the motto is
customary rather than official. The whole is placed on a red mantle with ermine lining
and golden fringes and tassels, ensigned with the royal crown. Above the mantle rise
banners with the arms of the nine provinces that constituted Belgium in 1837. They are
(from dexter to sinister) Antwerp, West Flanders, East Flanders, Lige, Brabant, Hainaut,
Limburg, Luxembourg and Namur.

The greater arms are used only rarely. They adorn the great seal that is affixed to
laws and international treaties.